IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR COUNTY, FLORIDA
Case No.:
Division:
IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF
________________________________________,
{use name to be given to child(ren)} Adoptee(s).
FINAL JUDGMENT OF STEPPARENT ADOPTION
Upon consideration of the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent and the evidence presented, the
Court finds that:
1. The Court has subject matter jurisdiction over the Joint Petition for Adoption by Stepparent.
2. The Court has jurisdiction over the minor child(ren) subject to the Joint Petition for Adoption by
Stepparent.
3. Petitioner desires the permanent responsibility of a parent in this adoption.
4. There is no pending litigation regarding the child(ren) in Florida or in any other state, nor is
there any other person not a party to these proceedings who has or claims to have physical
custody or rights to the minor child(ren).
5. The consent of the birth _____mother _____ father who is not married to Petitioner is:
{Choose only one}
_____ Attached to the petition
_____ Not required because he or she is deceased. A certified copy of the death certificate is
attached.
_____ Waived because:
[Indicate all that apply]
_____ The parent has deserted the child without means of identification or has abandoned the
child.
_____ The parent’s rights have been terminated by a court of competent jurisdiction.
_____ The parent has been declared incompetent and restoration of competency is medically
improbable.
_____ The legal guardian or lawful custodian of the adoptee(s), other than the birth parent,
who has failed to respond in writing to a request for consent for a period of 60 days or
the Court has examined the written reasons for withholding consent and has found the
withholding of consent to be unreasonable.
_____ Other: ____________________________________________________________.
6. The best interests of the child(ren) will be promoted by this adoption.
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(2), Final Judgment of Stepparent Adoption
(03/15)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
7. The minor child(ren) is (are) suitable for adoption by Petitioner.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS ORDERED that:
1. The minor child(ren) subject to the Petition is (are) declared to be the legal child(ren) of
Petitioner,_______________________________________________________ {name}
2. The minor child(ren) shall be the child(ren) and legal heir(s) at law of Petitioner,
_______________________________________________________________, {name}
and shall be entitled to all rights and privileges, and subject to all obligations, of
child(ren) born of Petitioner.
3. All legal relations between the adoptee(s) and the parent whose rights are being terminated and
between the adoptee(s) and the relatives of that parent are terminated by this adoption, as are
all parental rights and responsibilities of that birth parent.
4. This Final Judgment of Adoption creates a relationship between the adoptee(s) and Petitioner
and all relatives of Petitioner that would have existed if the adoptee(s) was (were) a blood
descendant of the Petitioner, born within wedlock, entitled to all rights and privileges thereof,
and subject to all obligations of a child being born to Petitioner.
5. The minor child(ren) shall hereafter be known as {full legal name(s)}:
DONE AND ORDERED at _____________________________, Florida on ___________________.
CIRCUIT JUDGE
I certify that a copy of {name of document(s)} ____________________________________________was
( ) mailed ( ) faxed and mailed ( ) e-mailed ( ) hand-delivered to the parties and any persons
or entities listed below on {date} _________________________________.
By: Clerk of Court, Designee, or Judicial Assistant
Petitioners (or their attorney)
Other: ____________________________
Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.981(b)(2), Final Judgment of Stepparent Adoption
(03/15)